The Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, has stated that it may no longer be possible for the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return and contest on the platform of the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
Usman made this known during an interview on Prime Time on Arise Television on Wednesday, explaining that electoral regulations and party procedures would prevent such a move if the party’s membership register has already been closed.
According to her, once the party shuts its register and submits its electronic membership list to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before primaries, no new entrant can be registered to participate in the process.
“It will be too late for him to come back. Once we close the register 21 days before primaries and submit the e-register to INEC, you can’t just come in from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest,” she said.
Despite her remarks, Usman acknowledged Obi’s major influence in strengthening the Labour Party during the 2023 elections, admitting that his political appeal attracted many supporters and members into the party, including herself.
She revealed that she was among those who joined the Labour Party because they believed in the principles of fairness and equity which Obi represented.
Usman also explained that her decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was influenced by dissatisfaction with the party’s refusal to zone its presidential ticket to the South.
She maintained that it was unfair for the PDP to leave the ticket open at the time, especially when there were expectations that power should rotate to the southern region.
Looking ahead, Usman said the Labour Party would recommit itself to its original ideology of social justice and equal opportunity, adding that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State reflects the kind of leadership the party stands for.
She described Otti as a strong representative of the party’s values and praised his performance as the party’s only serving governor.
Usman further urged Nigerians—especially activists, unionists, and reform-minded citizens—to participate in politics by contesting elections rather than remaining on the sidelines.
“If you think you’re an activist and you have something to offer Nigeria, come and contest elections, because you cannot change from outside,” she said.
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